Meteorology: Dense fog and reduced visibility in 4 regions of the Kingdom
The National Center for Meteorology issued an important weather alert, indicating the formation of fog of varying intensity covering large parts of four major regions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the early morning hours of Thursday. These alerts are part of the ongoing monitoring of weather fluctuations affecting the Kingdom during this period.
Weather details and affected areas
The center's report explained that the effects of this weather condition include a decrease in horizontal visibility to between 3 and 5 kilometers in some locations, while visibility may reach near-zero (1 to 3 kilometers) in others, necessitating extreme caution. The center identified the affected areas and cities as follows:
- Eastern Province: Includes Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, Dhahran, Ras Tanura, Al-Ahsa, Al-Udayd, and Abqaiq.
- Makkah Region: Includes Taif, Al Qunfudhah, Al Shu’aibah, and Al Lith.
- Asir region: includes Abha, Ahad Rafidah, Khamis Mushait, Al Birk, Al Qahmah, Al Namas, Balqarn, and Tanomah.
- Jazan region: includes Al-Harth, Al-Dayer, Al-Raith, Al-Ardah, Al-Aydabi, Al-Fatihah, Fifa, Haroub, Al-Darb, and Bish.
The climatic and geographical context of the phenomenon
Fog is a common weather phenomenon in Saudi Arabia during the transitional periods between seasons and during winter. The reasons for its formation vary depending on the geographical nature of the region. In the Eastern Province and coastal areas such as Jazan and parts of Makkah (like Al-Qunfudhah and Al-Lith), fog typically forms due to high relative humidity levels coming from the Arabian Gulf or the Red Sea, which condenses as temperatures drop at night and in the early morning.
In high-altitude areas such as Asir and the Taif , fog is often caused by clouds touching the ground in the high mountainous regions. This phenomenon adds natural beauty but poses a significant challenge to traffic due to the density of fog at those heights.
The importance of the warning and its impact on public safety
This warning is of utmost importance given the direct impact of fog on land and sea navigation. The highways connecting these provinces are vital arteries for transportation and the movement of goods. Therefore, reduced horizontal visibility requires drivers to strictly adhere to traffic safety instructions, such as reducing speed, using fog lights, and maintaining a safe distance between vehicles to avoid traffic accidents, which are common in such conditions.
The National Center of Meteorology continues its vital role in monitoring weather changes using the latest technologies and radars, to ensure that accurate information is delivered to citizens, residents and concerned authorities, which contributes to raising the level of preparedness and reducing potential risks resulting from various weather phenomena.
